Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, Online Auction - 10th September on Thursday the 10th of September, Online. Background: Few cars have enjoyed the enduring reputation of the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Having established the formula with the original Mk1, Volkswagen introduced the second-generation Golf in 1983, retaining the essential character of its predecessor whilst adding greater refinement, space and maturity. The familiar 1. 8-litre, fuel-injected four-cylinder engine remained at the heart of the 8-valve GTI, coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox. Quick enough to entertain without compromising its everyday usability, the Mk2 became a defining hot hatch of the 1980s and remains an immediately recognisable part of Volkswagen's performance history. As surviving examples have increasingly been restored or modified over the intervening four decades, finding a largely original and well-preserved example has become considerably more difficult. The Car: Dating from 1986, this two-door Golf GTI 1. 8 8V is finished in white with a grey cloth interior and currently indicates 127, 253 miles. As a 1986 model, this car features the highly sought-after "early Mk2" aesthetic meaning that it sports the split front-door glass (quarterlight windows), front-door-mounted side mirrors, a small-slat front grille, and the slimmer classic bumpers rather than the "big bumpers" that arrived in 1989. What immediately stands out about this particular GTI is its level of originality. Aside from the aftermarket gold BBS alloy wheels, it appears to have escaped many of the modifications commonly made to these cars over the years, having also spent much of its life garage stored. Our vendor advises that the bodywork retains its original paint, which remains in very good order considering the Golf is now approaching 40 years old. Even smaller details have survived intact, including the original parcel shelf, which pleasingly remains free from the speaker holes so commonly cut into them during the 1980s and 1990s. The grey 'Rainbow' cloth interior has similarly aged well. Inevitably there are some signs of use, most notably slight wear to the driver's seat bolster, but this is entirely understandable given the car's age and mileage. The gold BBS alloy wheels provide an attractive contrast against the white bodywork and give the GTI a suitably period sporting appearance. Its preservation extends beneath the surface, with the underside and wheel arches described as remaining in very good order. At some point in the past, the car also benefited from a professional Dinitrol rust-protection treatment, providing additional protection from the elements. The vendor reports that the Golf starts readily, settles into a steady idle and runs and drives very well, however, prior to the sale it will be serviced and presented with a fresh MOT. History: A particularly appealing aspect of this GTI is its substantial history file. Collected over the years, it contains numerous previous MOT Certificates together with service bills and receipts, providing useful documentary evidence of the car's life and maintenance. Importantly, the original V. A. G handbook also remains with the car including its stamped service schedule, adding another pleasing element to what appears to be a remarkably complete surviving example. Condition: The appeal here is very much in preservation rather than restoration. The white paintwork is understood to be original and remains in very good condition for its age, whilst the grey cloth cabin has survived particularly well apart from some expected wear to the driver's seat bolster. Naturally, a car approaching four decades old and showing 127, 253 miles should be expected to display some age and use, and prospective bidders are encouraged to study the accompanying photographs for a clear indication of its cosmetic condition. Largely original Mk2 Golf GTIs have become increasingly difficult to find, particularly examples that have escaped the extensive modifications so often made to them over the years. Details such as the uncut parcel shelf, original interior, original paintwork and accompanying V. A. G literature all contribute to the character of this example, whilst the gold BBS wheels provide a sympathetic period-style addition. With its two-door body, 1. 8-litre 8-valve engine, substantial history file and appealingly preserved condition, this is a very usable example of one of the defining hot hatchbacks of its generation. Offered through our Iconic Online Sale, the Golf will be serviced and supplied with a fresh MOT prior to sale. Prospective bidders are encouraged to study the accompanying history file, service records, photographs and condition information and satisfy themselves as to its originality, condition and history prior to bidding. Location: Leicestershire Seller: Trader Photography...
